Eating Healthy On the Run

Class, work, practice, papers, projects, exams, and parties… so much to do and so little time. With such a busy schedule, eating a nutritious meal may be the last thing on your mind. Fortunately, you can still eat healthy and stick to your “to do” list.

Put the Fast in BreakFAST

Start your day off right by making breakfast a regular part of your morning routine. Studies show that people who consume breakfast feel more energetic and are less likely to overeat later in the day. For a quick and nutritious breakfast, choose options high in fiber and rich in complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, granola, or a whole grain cereal like Cheerios®. If you know you’ll be rushing out the door, plan your breakfast the night before so you can easily grab it and go!
If you are on the run, try breakfast takeout at the dining hall for these healthy options.

A container of your favorite dry cereal such as Cheerios®, Mini Wheats®, or Total® with fat free or low-fat milk.

A whole wheat bagel with cream cheese and a carton of 100% orange juice.

A container of low -fat yogurt and a banana or apple.

Throw a Snack in Your Backpack

In addition to breakfast, eating healthy snacks throughout the day can help secure your energy levels. To help keep you alert during class, stock up on these nutritious snacks easily found at a campus café, convenience store or the new Kilmer Market on the Livingston campus. Here are some quick, easy and portable snack ideas to keep you going throughout the day.

Fresh vegetables with peanut butter or hummus.

Trail mix with a combined assortment of dried fruits, cereals and nuts.

A piece of fresh fruit or an applesauce cup.

A granola bar, pretzels, or popcorn.

Vending machines aren’t known for their healthy options, but if you are in a pinch, choose a snack with the “balanced choice leaf” or “choice plus” logo on it. This takes the guess work out of choosing healthy snacks.